DBT Skills Training: Distress Tolerance
The DBT Distress Tolerance skill Turn the Mind is a practice of repeatedly choosing to accept reality, even when your emotions urge you to resist it. When we face situations that are painful, unfair, or beyond our control, it’s natural for Emotion Mind to reject reality with thoughts like, “This shouldn’t be happening!” or “I can’t handle this.” However, resisting what is only adds to our suffering. Turning the Mind involves consciously redirecting yourself back to acceptance every time you notice rejection creeping in. Acceptance doesn’t mean approval or resignation; it means acknowledging reality as it is so you can respond effectively and with less emotional pain.
This skill requires persistence and a willingness to apply acceptance skills over and over, as many times as needed. Just like a muscle strengthens with repeated use, Turning the Mind builds emotional resilience through practice. Some days, acceptance may feel like a moment-to-moment choice, but the benefits are profound: you gain clarity, reduce unnecessary suffering, and create the mental space to focus on what you can change. By relentlessly applying skills such as mindfulness, self-compassion, and Radical Acceptance, you cultivate a steady and grounded mindset, enabling you to face challenges with grace and strength.
Reference: Linehan, M.M. (2015). DBT Skills Training Manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Inner Renovations Toolbox 